Mentorship and coaching

Working with mentors or coaches can provide leaders with valuable insights and
feedback that are crucial for personal and professional growth. Mentors serve as
role models and guides, offering advice based on their own experiences and
successes.

Practical experience

There is no substitute for hands-on experience. Taking on leadership roles, even

in small projects, helps develop crucial skills like team management, problem-
solving, and decision-making. Each leadership opportunity is a learning
experience that builds competence and confidence.

Networking and industry engagement

Engaging with other leaders and professionals through platforms like

LinkedIn allows for the exchange of ideas and strategies. Networking not only
provides learning opportunities but also helps leaders stay abreast of industry
trends and new management practices.

Self-study and personal development

Reading leadership books , listening to podcasts , and engaging with thought-

provoking content can help leaders gain new perspectives and ideas that can be
applied in their professional lives.

Enroll in leadership development workshops or online courses. Websites like

Coursera or LinkedIn Learning offer courses in leadership fundamentals,
emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and more.

How to use leadership qualities in the workplace

You don’t have to be in a management position to exercise the qualities of an
exceptional leader. Leaders are the ones who help and motivate the people
around them. They have good ideas and set a good example.

Employees at any level can have leadership qualities. In fact, anyone who hopes
to be promoted into a leadership position in the future should work on
developing the traits of a leader today.

Let’s look at ways you can use leadership qualities in the workplace.

1. Build strengths and overcome weaknesses

Find conscious opportunities in the workplace where you can further develop your
strengths or work to overcome your weaknesses.
For example, maybe your listening skills leave something to be desired. The next
time you talk to a colleague about a project, make a conscious effort to remember
each point and follow up on the significant ones.

2. Be a knowledge sponge

Learn everything you can about your industry and your organization. Seek out
training for new skills. You can do this through self-directed learning , or you can
participate in formal programs. You can also utilize learning modes such as
microlearning.

You might have all the skills you need for your current position, but learning new
things opens up future possibilities. If you’re already in a management role,
continuing to learn will help you have better ideas and develop a stronger
strategy.

3. Develop your people skills

Every day is a new opportunity to become a better leader by improving your

people skills. Whether you’re starting an entry-level job or taking on a major
leadership role, you’ll have many chances to:

 Build relationships with your colleagues

 Communicate clearly
 Listen actively
 Be patient and empathetic
 Learn to negotiate and diffuse conflict